The Wife Of Bath And Janekyn Analysis

The early 15th century is an age known for its connection of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and the Modern period. It was a time accompanied by different educational developments along with expression through the arts. Men were seen as dominants of the family, and were often the only people educated, while women were typically defined by their roles as a wife, as a mother, or as their religious dedication to the church. Because most people could not read or write, paintings were typically used to describe a work, tell a story, or give a message. Two examples in particular include Ellesmere’s painting representing The Wife of Bath, a literary work about a powerful woman and the life she lived, and Hans Baldung’s illustration of Phyllis riding

During this era, women were intended to be ruled rather than be in a position to rule themselves. Lines 660-664 of The Wife of Bath describe not only Janekyn’s view of a husband’s supposed dominance of a wife, but also the general view held by society at the time. Through the passage, Janekyn advices that “Thanne woulde he saye right thus withouten doute/ Whoso that buildeth his hous al of salwes/ And priketh his blinde hors over the falwes/ And suffereth his wif to go seeken halwes/ Is worthy to be hanged on the galwes” (Chaucer 297). In other words, Janekyn is suggesting that any husband that is a pushover and not only allows, but also encourages his wife to run around and go on trips is foolish and worthy of the worst punishment. These lines are important because they seem to contradict what has happened in the paintings. Janekyn talks as if he defines social hierarchy as a man controlling what his wife does in order to not be seen as one who is stepped all over. The Wife of Bath’s description in her prologue suggests that she was not easily dominated, and more of the taking rather than giving type. It also implies that her love stems from ability to satisfy her appetite, and she often chose direction based on satisfying these desires rather than rule. Similarly, Phyllis atop of Aristotle suggests her overpowering of him. Not only were the roles of men and women reversed in this work, but also the roles of man